Investigating how obesity affects colon cancer growth
Official title: Engineered Colon Cancer Tissue to Examine the Role of the Obese Microenvironment in Tumor Aggressiveness
Funded at Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-10880437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being overweight might change the way colorectal cancer grows and behaves, using special lab models that mimic real tumors, to help find better treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auburn University at Auburn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $475,177 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA267170-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer, especially those with obesity or related metabolic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with colorectal cancer who are not obese or do not have metabolic conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the obese microenvironment influences the aggressiveness of colorectal cancer (CRC). By creating engineered tissue models that mimic patient-specific tumor environments, researchers aim to explore how obesity-related factors affect tumor composition and behavior. The study utilizes advanced techniques in tissue engineering and bioinformatics to analyze the interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding environment. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how obesity impacts cancer progression, potentially leading to more tailored treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment approaches for colorectal cancer patients, particularly those who are obese.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the tumor microenvironment can significantly impact cancer treatment strategies, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Auburn University at Auburn
Auburn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lipke, Elizabeth a — Auburn University at Auburn
- Study coordinator: Lipke, Elizabeth a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Engineered Colon Cancer Tissue in Obese Environments
Aims to study how obesity-related changes in the tumor environment influence colorectal cancer using patient-derived, lab-made colon cancer models.
-
Understanding Colon Cancer Growth in Obese Patients
This project explores how obesity affects the growth and behavior of colon cancer cells to find new ways to help patients.
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Colon Cancer Family Registry Cohort study for smarter prevention and care
A large international group is following thousands of people with colorectal cancer and their relatives to better understand risk, causes, and outcomes so future patients can get better guidance and treatment.
-
Adipome biomarkers in obese TNBC mice for targeted therapy
A study in mice explores how fat-derived particles called adipomes influence an aggressive breast cancer type, with the goal of guiding personalized therapies.
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Bioengineered Networking Microbes for Targeted Colon Cancer Therapy
A project tests a engineered bacteria-based therapy designed to target colon tumors and boost the body’s immune response in people with colon cancer.
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How DNA methylation patterns are kept in colon cancer and what happens when they’re disrupted
Researchers are studying how the molecular marks that control gene activity are maintained in colon cancer and how breaking these marks affects cancer growth and treatment response.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.